The Third Annual Blue Ridge High School Air Force JROTC Awards Program and Banquet was held at Ebenezer Welcome Baptist Church on Tuesday, May 11.

U.S.A.F. Lt. Col. Laura Kinard presented Mat Gedenberg a four-year scholarship to any college that has an Air Force ROTC program.

The Blue Ridge H. S. AFJROTC Squadron earned the “Distinguished Unit Award with Merit” based on setting and achieving/exceeding Cadet Corps goals.

The Squadron also received “Exceeds Standards” recognition during the graded unit inspection conducted by USAF Area Administrator Col. Williford.

The cadets donated 98 units of blood in four hours, with 72 first time donors in the Community Blood Drive.

Cadet teams placed 1st and 3rd in orienteering at Crowders Mountain and Kings Mountain.

Twenty-three cadets volunteered to help raise $1,320 for the March of Dimes.

The Squadron participated in the Greer and Travelers Rest Christmas parades.

The Color Guard participated in the “Massing of the Colors” Scottish Rite Ceremony in March.

Thirty-one cadets participated in the “Top Performers” trip to Pensacola, FL (April 28 – May 2).

Fifteen national awards were presented by various veterans organization members as well as the Daughters of the American Revolution and the H. L. Hunley Sons of Conferate awards.